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(No-Model.) 2 Sheets--Sheet 1.

P. H. BILLARD.

GAME COUNTER.

No. 481,947. Patented Sept. 6, 1892.

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(No Model.)

P. H. BILLARD.

GAME COUNTER.

Patented Sept. 6, 1892.

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PAUL H. HILLARD, OF VESTERLY, RHODE ISLAND.

GAM E-COUNTER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 481,947, dated September 6, 1892,

Application filed February 6, 1892. Serial No. 420,533. (No model.) i

To @ZZ whom t may concern:

Be it known that I, PAUL H. HILLARD, a citizen of the United States, residing at Westerly, in the county of Washington, in the State of Rhode Island, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Game- Counters, of which the following is a specification.

My counter scores for the two sides by the same instrument. The indications are given by indices in the form of short levers properly numbered and arranged in series on opposite sides of the instrument with their ends projecting, so as to be easily lifted by the iinger. The lifting causes any lever to count. All are held by springs either in the depressed or in the erect position. The numbers impressed on the indices increase on each series from one end of the counter toward the other. The sum of the numbers thus presented on each side gives the amount on that side of the game. The indications for each run in the same direction as the other, so that no delay or counting shall be required to determine which party is ahead.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this speciiication and represent what I consider the best means of carrying out the invention.

Figure l is a plan View with the levers in the position to score tive. Fig. 2 is a corresponding side elevation. Fig. 3 is an end view of the same. Fig. 4L is a cross-section on the line 4 4 in Figs. l and 2. Fig. 5 is a crosssection showing a modification of the cavities and springs. Fig. G is a plan View showing a modiiication adaptedfor scoring for four diferent players. Fig. 7 is a corresponding form with the index-levers extending inward into a central cavity instead of outward. This form may be preferable in cases where the counter is liable to besubjected to rough usage, as in traveling.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where they appear.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4, A is the body of the counter, which may be a flat block of hard wood or other suitable material, and A a top piece glued or otherwise firmly fastened and covering the inner ends of recesses a, formed as shown. In the rectangular space in the bottom of each is a spring D, of hard brass or other suitable material, in U form. Each space extends under the top piece A and the spring lies therein with its bight or bent end inward toward the center and its free ends arranged to act on the angle of the corresponding index --lever, which latter is mounted above and turns on one of the two straight wires E, which extend longitudinally the whole length of the base A a little beyond or outside of the edge of the top piece A.

B and O are the levers or indices arranged in two series, centered, respectively, on the two wires E and having their inner ends square or angular and their outer ends projecting a little beyond the edge of the base A. Each series is plainly numbered as follows: Li l 77 H2 77 ((477 77 C 77 C 4:0.77 up one or more of these indices any number can be conveniently indicated from l to 10037 The series of indices on one side is white and on the other red or black. One series scores the progress of the game for one party and the other for the other. I prefer to have the springs quite strong, so that considerable force will be required to lift an index; but it is easily done with one hand by pressing the thumb on the top piece A and lifting the index or indices by a finger. They hold their places, but are easily depressed when required.

In addition to stamping or otherwise marking the proper number on the under face of each index, so that it will show when lifted, there should be a corresponding number on the top piece A at the point immediately opposite to such index.

Vhen the indices are all depressed, the counter is very compact and adapted to be stored in a small space or carried in the pocket. There is no loose part which can be lost. It is easily operated, keeps its condition reliably, and the slight mental labor involved adds to its value as an educational agent. The cavities or recesses ct may extend across under the top piece A', and in such case a single spring properly constructed may serve for the corresponding index on each side. Fig. 5 shows such a construction.

In Fig. 6 there are four series arranged in the same manner. This form of the instrument is adapted to score for three or four IOO players, each playing independently. rlhe action is the saine as above described. I have shown the central space in this ligure as sunk to serve as a receptacle G for the pieces used in the game, or for any other purpose. lThis form may have considerable height, so as to give any depth to such receptacle. In this four-sided form the levers may be arranged internally into such central space instead of externally, it' desired. Fig. 7 shows such modification. In these forms last described the indices may be all et the same color and the scores of the several players may be distinguished by their several sides ot the board; but it is preferable to distinguish these also by colors. I pi'opose theyshall be red,white, blue, and black.

Instead of employing different colors for the several series of indices, Ican distinguish them by different shapes or sizes. Thus one series being of considerably greater width or length than the other may serve 1o distinguish after theinstrumenthas been worn and soiled, so that the colors of the indices would beindistinct in a diin light. I can distinguish both by the difference in colors and by the difference in forms and sizes. Fig. 7 shows the indices thus distinguished by differences in forms and sizes.

It is not essential that the indices shall extend beyond the general edge of the body. Fig. 5 shows the indices on one side thus shortened, with body rabbeted to allow the iingerto engage the indices easily. Both sidesv may be thus constructed or only one side may, and such features may be one of the ways to distinguish the scoring for the different players.

Other modifications may be made without departing from the principle or sacrificing the advantages ot the invention. rlhe indices may be made of uniform thickness throughout instead of tapering, as shown, therecesses C1, in which they are set being correspondingly formed. The nu inber of indices in each series maybe varied. lVith the cavities and springs as first described the top A may be made integral with the block or base A.

l. A gaine-counter composed ol' a recessed base, a series of pivoted indices arranged in the recesses, operating-springs for said indices, and a slab or plinth overlapping the indices at their pivoted ends, arranged to form an abutment to the raised indices and a finish over their inner ends when the indices are down, substantially as described.

2. A gaine-counter composed of movable indices in the form of hinged levers provided with springs, and a base provided at the edges with small recesses to receive said levers and in the middle with a large recess back ofsaid lever-indices, adapted to form a receptacle to receive the game apparatus, substantially as described.

3. A game-counter composed of a base provided witli small recesses of rectaiigularform therein, a series of pivotedindices in said recesses at the upper part thereof, leaving vacant spaces below, the leaf-springs of U form coniined iii said spaces, with one member bearing against the indices and the other resting on the bottom ot said recesses, and the plinth or slab overlapping the indices at their pivoted ends, arranged to form an abutnient to the raised indices and a finish over their innei ends when the indices are down. substantially as described.

In testimony that l claim the invention above set forth I aitix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

PAUL ll. lllLTiARD.

llf'itnesses:

@nannies l. Snai-nin, ll. A. .loiiNs'roNn 

